Phil and Penny Knight pledge $1.1 billion for Oregon women’s hospital

Phil and Penny Knight, the Oregon-based billionaires and co-founders of Nike, have committed $1.1 billion to the Providence St. Vincent Medical Center and the Providence Heart Institute. The donation is intended to fund the construction of Oregon’s first hospital dedicated exclusively to women’s health.

In addition to the new hospital, the funds will support the expansion of cardiovascular care, clinical research, and training programs for medical personnel at the heart institute. The initiative aims to integrate patient care more effectively, addressing the challenge of patients having to navigate multiple specialties and care settings independently.

The gift arrives as U.S. healthcare providers face increasing demand from pregnant patients managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health issues, alongside challenges from government funding cuts.